Dispositional factors, perceived social support and happiness among prison inmates in Nigeria: A new look

Volume 2 - Issue 1

Anthony G. Balogun

Abstract:

This study contributed to happiness literature by exploring the extent to which the big five personality
(extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experience), emotional intelligence, and
social support predict happiness among less explored sample such as prison inmates in Nigeria. The study also
investigated whether perceived social support will predict happiness beyond and above dispositional factors after
demographic variables such as age, gender, and religion were controlled for. Two hundred and fifty one (251)
prison inmates randomly selected from 3 prisons in three South-western States in Nigeria participated in the study.
Data were collected by Oxford happiness questionnaires, Big Five Personality Inventory, Self-report Emotional
Intelligence Test, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and were analysed using hierarchical
multiple regression analysis. Results showed that extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness,
openness, emotional intelligence, and perceived social support collectively and relatively contributed to prison
inmates’ level of happiness. Moreover, social support predicted happiness above and beyond big five personality
and emotional intelligence. The results were discussed in line with past findings. Practical implications of the
findings were also highlighted.

Keywords

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The Journal of Happiness and Well-Being is an online international electronic journal, published two times a year (January and July). Articles may be contributed at any time for publication consideration. Potential articles are reviewed by members of an editorial review committee.